The 2012 edition of Yestermorrow's annual Innovative Homes of the Mad River Valley House Tour features a unique twist — this year’s homes are all tree houses! Participants will be visiting a half dozen tree houses, from fanciful playhouses to elegant observatories to grandiose guesthouses complete with bedrooms and plumbing.

“You'll be amazed by what's hidden in the trees of Central Vermont,” said spokesperson Dan Eckstein.

Tree houses present unique design and building opportunities. The organic character of these structures entices fanciful characteristics and playful details.

“But having a living entity as your ‘foundation’ provides a challenge — how does one build in that natural setting without despoiling the very nature charged with supporting that structure? The answer requires a healthy dose of knowledge regarding everything from structural engineering to tree physiology,” he said.

For the Innovative Tree (Homes) Tour, participants will be guided through an assortment of tree houses, including off-kilter backyard playhouses, a finely crafted open-air pavilion in the shape of a beech tree leaf, several handicap-accessible frolics and a fully functional treetop guesthouse.

At each stop along the way, the designer/builders will be on hand to discuss the guiding design concept as well as the challenges and solutions unique to that site.

The Innovative (Tree) Homes Tour runs on Saturday, August 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets are limited and are likely to sell out quickly. The cost includes lunch and transportation, with all proceeds supporting Yestermorrow's Scholarship Fund. Call (888) 496-5541 to reserve your spot.